A look around the Battlefords during Indigenous Peoples Day Wednesday. (Angela Brown/BattlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Special announcement

National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrated with Métis flag raising, powwow in North Battleford

Jun 21, 2023 | 5:36 PM

It was a time to celebrate in the Battlefords on Wednesday as the community came together to share and learn about First Nations and Métis traditions, during National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The morning started with a ceremony in North Battleford as the Métis Nation – Saskatchewan flag was hoisted at its permanent new home outside City Hall.

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan took the opportunity to announce a new development planned for the top of King Hill in the future he is excited about.

“We frequently talk about reconciliation, but without action how can we have reconciliation,” he said. “It’s in the spirit of ‘reconcili-action’ that I am pleased to announce the city is working with several different local groups, individuals, Elders, and major funders to develop a new permanent landmark connected to our city’s trail system on top of King Hill.”

Gillan noted the development will be a cultural pavilion, incorporating the Cree word “Tawȃw,” meaning “Welcome,” in its name that will be entitled: “Tawȃw Point.”

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The project will be designed to commemorate and celebrate the region’s Indigenous and Métis heritage, history and culture.

When the development is completed, “Tawȃw Point” will serve to welcome visitors for generations to come to the Battlefords community, and provide an opportunity to educate and share the Indigenous history of this region.

“This is the first time we publicly announced that we would be putting together a cultural pavilion on top of King Hill,” Gillan said.

Indigenous Day also included a free pancake breakfast and live music offered by Battle River Treaty 6 Health Centre.

At the Western Development Museum (WDM) in North Battleford, people came together for a powwow on the museum grounds.

Sweetgrass First Nation Chief Lorie Whitecalf said it was a great way to celebrate the day.

“The meaning behind it for me is celebrating our history, and how it is coming into our future,” she said. “At one time the government wanted to stop our ceremonies. But [now] we’re celebrating with each other – with non-First Nations and First Nations.”

One of the dancers, Sherwin Machiskinic, from Kawacatoose First Nation, was proud to share his culture during the powwow.

“We never had this as a kid,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized.”

Machiskinic said his regalia has special meaning to him. His shield, the broach he wears on the front of his garment, is actually a replica designed from the one his late uncle once wore while serving in the Second World War.

“He gave me the right to wear it in the powwow, so I can wear it now,” he said.

Western Development Museum North Battleford’s operations manager Sharain Jones was thrilled to see such a great turnout for the Indigenous Day events hosted by the museum. Many area schools and families came to take part in the celebration.

She estimated at least 1,000 students were attending.

Jones said it’s good the WDM can partner with Kanaweyimik Child and Family Services and Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. to be able to host events like this for the community.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow